Mining firms to be charged over Brazil dam

BRAZIL'S federal police say it would charge three mining companies, including Samarco and Vale, and seven executives of those firms with environmental crimes in connection with a deadly tailings dam breach last November.

VALE, the world's largest iron-ore exporter, co-owns Samarco in a 50-50 joint venture with BHP Billiton, but Brazilian police have not filed charges against the Anglo-Australian mining giant.